Adam J. Bozzuto

Adam J. Bozzuto, 86, chairman and founder of Bozzuto's Inc. the wholesale food distributor located in Cheshire, died early Thursday morning, (July 25, 2002) at his residence in Middlebury. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Adam Bozzuto started in the wholesale business in 1945 in Waterbury. He relocated the business to Cheshire in 1963, the same year he became distributor for IGA, Independent Grocers Alliance. Since that time Bozzuto's Inc. has grown into a 900 million dollar wholesaling business serving chain and independent retailers throughout New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company currently maintains a million square foot state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Cheshire and employs more than 1,000 people. Adam Bozzuto will be remembered by friends and family alike for his willingness to serve as a mentor for employees and business associates, supporting them in pursuing their own entrepreneurial dreams. Many of Bozzuto's most successful retail customers started their business with assistance from Adam Bozzuto. Adam Bozzuto was a generous supporter of numerous charitable organizations, most notably the Connecticut Special Olympics. One of his best known feats was to provide $1.4 million in food to athletes and coaches of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in New Haven. Adam Bozzuto was deeply involved in numerous professional and philanthropic organizations. He served on the board of directors for the Connecticut Food Association and IGA, which also awarded him the J. Frank Grimes Award for Distinguished Service. He received the Decade of Distinguished Service Award from the Knights of the Grip of Connecticut and served on the Board of Governors for the National American Wholesalers Grocer's Association (FDI). He is listed in the Who's Who in the East and Who's Who in Finance and Industry. He has also been honored by the March of Dimes, Lega Siciliana of Waterbury, Boy's Town of Italy, the Waterbury's Boys Club, and many other groups. Adam Bozzuto was a former treasurer of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee, he served on the Board of Education in Middlebury and was an honorary fireman for the Middlebury Fire Department. He was a member of the Middlebury Lion's Club, a trustee for the Cheshire Academy, a member of the Advisory Board for Colonial Bank, and was an honorary member of the Pontelandolfo Community Club. Adam is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lillian (Brangel) Bozzuto of Middlebury; a daughter, Jayne A. Bozzuto of Cheshire; and his son, Michael A. Bozzuto. Michael has been the president and CEO of the company since 1990 and Jayne is vice president. Funeral is Monday, 9:30 a.m., from Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, to the Immaculate Conception Church, 74 West Main Street, Waterbury, for a mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Calling hours Sunday, July 28, 2-5 and 6-9 p.m., and Monday, July 29, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Contributions may be made to Adam and Lillian Bozzuto Building Fund, c/o Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517-2232.